Sayyiduna Shaddad bin Aws (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The chief of seeking forgiveness (Sayyid al-Istighfar) is that a servant says: 'O Allah! You are my Lord, there is no deity except You. You created me and I am Your servant. I am upon Your covenant and promise as much as I am able. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favor upon me, and I acknowledge my sins, so forgive me. Surely, none forgives sins except You.'"